UCLA’s transition into the Big Ten Conference has significantly improved its athletics department budget, edging it closer to balance.
The school reported a loss of $21.6 million for the fiscal year that ended in June 2025, a notable decrease from $51.8 million the previous year, based on financial documents obtained by the California Post.
This positive shift is largely due to $61.2 million in media rights revenue from the Big Ten, which is more than triple what UCLA earned ($19.9 million) during its last year in the Pac-12. Additionally, they received nearly $13 million from conference distributions linked to the College Football Playoff, bowl games, and NCAA Tournament appearances, up from $8.7 million in the previous conference.
For the second consecutive year, UCLA provided $30 million in direct institutional support and managed to pay down its remaining deficit, bringing it to zero.
A spokesperson for UCLA athletics commented, “The 2024-25 season marks our first full year in the Big Ten Conference, and our financial results are in line with what we anticipated during this transition. Revenue notably increased thanks to conference media rights and distributions, although costs rose as well due to expenses related to the transition and additional investments in student-athlete support.”
Financial responsibility remains crucial for UCLA, and they are actively assessing their spending while collaborating with campus leaders on a long-term strategy to maintain stability amid the evolving collegiate athletics landscape.
UCLA’s athletic department has faced financial difficulties, with deficits persisting for seven consecutive years. The institution is currently addressing a total of $241.1 million in shortfalls.
Moreover, UCLA incurred an initial $10 million penalty, often termed “calimony,” paid to California after the UC Board of Regents decided to penalize UCLA for leaving the Pac-12. UCLA has agreed to make equal payments over the next two years.
During Deshaun Foster’s first season as football coach, UCLA expanded its staff, resulting in $64.6 million paid in compensation to coaches and staff. Travel expenses surged to $14.5 million in the first Big Ten year compared to $9.5 million the last year in the Pac-12, with $2 million allocated for non-conference trips to Hawaii and LSU.
In response to an increased emphasis on nutrition and mental health support following its conference change, UCLA invested $8.5 million in meal provisions to provide Olympic athletes with an additional daily meal. This financial commitment contrasts with the $5.9 million spent on dining during the last year in the Pac-12.
UCLA’s revenue also included $13 million in donations, making it the second-best fundraising year for its athletics program, although some of these were future pledges. Ticket sales saw an increase of nearly $2 million across all sports compared to last year.
Looking ahead, UCLA’s upcoming budget will reflect the challenges facing athletic departments nationwide, particularly concerning revenue sharing. The school has pledged up to $20.5 million in revenue sharing with players in accordance with the House settlement.
